H.R.1976 - Woman on the Twenty Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1976, the "Woman on the Twenty Act of 2025," mandates that all $20 notes printed after December 31, 2028, feature a portrait of Harriet Tubman on the front. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Treasury to release a preliminary design of the new $20 note to the public by December 31, 2026. The bill acknowledges the historical significance of featuring a woman on U.S. currency.
Expected Effects
The bill will change the design of the $20 bill to honor Harriet Tubman. This change aims to recognize the contributions of women, specifically African American women, to the history of the United States. It may also spark discussions about representation and historical narratives.
Potential Benefits
- Symbolic Representation: Honors Harriet Tubman and recognizes the contributions of women and African Americans.
- Educational Opportunity: Raises awareness about Tubman's life and legacy.
- Public Engagement: The design release encourages public discourse on historical figures and representation.
- Potential for Increased Tourism: The redesigned bill could attract tourists interested in Tubman's story and historical sites.
- Modernization of Currency: Updates the currency to reflect a more inclusive representation of American history.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Controversy: Changes to currency designs can be controversial, particularly if they involve replacing historical figures.
- Implementation Costs: Redesigning and reprinting currency involves costs for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
- Risk of Counterfeiting: Any significant change to currency design can create a temporary window of increased counterfeiting risk.
- Disruption to Vending Machines/Currency Handling Equipment: The new design may require updates to vending machines and other currency-handling equipment.
- Historical Pushback: Some individuals may resist the change due to traditional views or disagreement with the selection of Harriet Tubman.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly in promoting a more inclusive representation of American history. While the Constitution does not explicitly address currency design, Congress has the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not infringe on any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).